‘Pick a different one!’
‘You don’t have to keep up the amorous bickering,’ Styx says. ‘You two make a rather believable couple.’
‘Yes, we’re very good actors,’ I say, trying to give her a death stare that Hades won’t catch.
‘Is that what it is?’ she asks.
‘Yes. Now, if that’s all, we have more gods to meet,’ I say.
She laughs. ‘Very well. Have fun.’
I lead Hades away, shaking my head. ‘She’s almost as smug as you are.’
‘I am not smug,’ he says, unable to stop the smile on his face.
I poke the corner of his lips where that smile still doesn’t falter.
‘Anyone would be smug with you on their arm,’ he says instead, lowering his voice into what I assume is meant to be a sexy drawl.
No one is watching so I let myself gag.
‘Come on, Hades, I have a reputation to maintain. If you want people to believe I love you, you’re going to have to be a bit cooler than that.’
‘Pray tell, why does all of our so-called flirting involve you mocking me and me complimenting you?’
I shrug and take his hand in case anyone glances over. ‘We have to keep things realistic.’
‘You dramatic, conceited girl,’ he moans.
‘Yes, and?’ I grin.
‘Insufferable.’
‘Careful, dear husband, compliments like that might go straight to my pretty head.’ I realize I’m fluttering my eyelashes as my thumb strokes his hand. It appears flirting with him is becoming instinctive.
He shakes his head with a smile and takes the slightest step closer. I’m not even sure he knows he’s doing it. ‘I’m not your husband yet and I don’t think your insults are enticing me into the union. Aren’t you supposed to be convincing everyone I want you so very desperately?’
‘I think you’re doing a good-enough job of that yourself,’ I tease. ‘All it takes is one little touch.’ I raise a hand to brush along his jaw, tilting his head towards me. ‘And you practically forget how to breathe.’
His eyes light with the challenge. ‘You’re hardly one to talk. One look and you’re lost for words.’
‘Why don’t you just admit that you find me irresistible?’
‘And yet here I am, resisting, while you’re finding any excuse to touch me.’
I glance down at our entwined fingers. It’s a mistake – he has lovely hands. Strong fingers, lines I long to trace and flecks of clay in the creases of his skin.
‘Maybe I’m just better at this ruse than you are,’ I say.
‘Would you care for me to dial it up?’ Hades asks. ‘Because you dissolving into a quivering mess helps no one.’
‘Oh, fuck you.’ I laugh.
‘Marry me first, then we’ll talk,’ he quips back, and then we’re both laughing, clutching on to one another to keep from doubling over.
Breathlessly, I shake my head. ‘This is so ridiculous. We can tone down the flirting after we’re married, right?’
‘I should hope so,’ Hades says. ‘Although I must say you’re awfully good at it. I suppose it’s easier when it’s meaningless, but I nearly bought it sometimes – even knowing you’re lying.’
